Evaporation - The Sun heats water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, turning it into water vapor.

Transpiration - Plants release water vapor into the air through their leaves.

Sublimation - Ice and snow can turn directly into water vapor without melting into liquid first.

Condensation - Water vapor cools down and turns into tiny water droplets, forming clouds.

Precipitation - When water droplets in clouds get heavy, they fall as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Runoff - Rainwater flows over land into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Infiltration - Some water soaks into the ground and replenishes underground water sources.

Groundwater Flow - Water moves underground through soil and rocks, sometimes re-emerging in springs.

Collection - Water gathers in oceans, lakes, and rivers, where the cycle starts again.

Powered by the Sun - The entire water cycle is driven by the Sun's energy!